Category: Engineering

Semi-Intensive Green Roofs

Semi-Intensive Green Roofs

11/27/23

“What’s a somewhat more intensive version of extensive green roofs?”

Extensive green roofs are a great solution for many but not all environments. Sometimes, Semi-Intensive Green Roofs are a better solution. Semi-intensive green roofs have more depth and weight, allowing them to host more weighty biodiversity such as shrubs. This makes semi-intensive green roofs support better stormwater management and biodiversity while partially requiring an irrigation system.

Image credit: greenrooftechnology.com

Extensive Green Roofs

Extensive Green Roofs

11/26/23

“What are extensive green roofs and how do they help with stormwater mitigation?”

Green roofs are a great way to help add nature to the built environment. Just like the diversity of species that inhabit these spaces, green roofs come in various shapes and forms. Extensive Green Roofs are models that contain natural, self-sustaining vegetation. These low-maintenance systems don’t require permanently installed irrigation, hold low-weight plants, and help regulate biodiversity. Extensive green roofs are terrific at absorbing stormwater and preventing dangerous runoffs from occurring. Extensive green roofs are best suited for temperate climate zones such as Northern Europe.

Image credit: greenrooftechnology.com

Catch Basins

Catch Basins

11/24/23

“How can we catch and drain stormwater from surfaces?”

Rain can pile up on any surface. Whether it be a landscaping system or a street, it will be a factor as long as there is rain. Sometimes, rain can pile up so badly that it can lead to flooding and damage. So how can we make a simple fix? Well, what if we made a grated opening to the sewer system to allow water to filter out? This system is called a catch basin and is one of the most used flood control systems in the entire world. Catch basins can also greatly improve the climate resilience of a site

Environmental Factors Design Analysis

Environmental Factors Design Analysis

11/19/23

“How can we visualize environmental factors design analysis?”

Environmental factors analysis is an important part of any planning project. Whether it be building a new metro line or creating a new dense housing development, people will have to be mindful of the surrounding environment. Factors such as flood runoff, heat impacts, and shadow generation will have to be studied. This can be accomplished through Environmental Factors Design Analysis, or visualization of onsite environmental conditions.

Culvert Maintenance Cost Estimation

Culvert Maintenance Cost Estimation

11/18/23

“Why do we need to estimate costs for culvert maintenance?”

Culverts are a vital part of many flood control systems. But they will age and become less useful with wear and tear. Engineers and planners will need to figure out how much maintenance of these systems will cost. Culvert Maintenance Cost Estimation is a principle part of system operations and will need to be thought about.

Why Training in Drawing is Helpful to Architects

Why Training in Drawing is Helpful to Architects

11/16/23

“Why is training in drawing helpful to architects?”

Architects work with the form and shape of buildings. This involves spatial design and visualization practices. One critical way to improve this practice is to have training in drawing. This is Why Training in Drawing is Helpful to Architects.

Why Telecommunications Infrastructure is Necessary for a Functioning Government

Why Telecommunications Infrastructure is Necessary for a Functioning Government

11/15/23

“Why is telecommunications infrastructure necessary for a functioning government?”

Telecommunications infrastructure helps people communicate with each other. Governments have to use communications to inform their populace of events and ensure that state functioning runs through. This is Why Telecommunications Infrastructure is Necessary for a Functioning Government.

Drainage Canal Flood Analysis

Drainage Canal Flood Analysis

11/14/23

“How can we analyze drainage canal flooding?”

Drainage canals move water away to keep areas dry. However, during extreme inundation events, these pieces of infrastructure can be subject to flooding. This can lead to dangerous damage to both the canals and whatever surrounds them. Engineers and Planners can perform Drainage Canal Flood Analysis to determine how to mitigate damages through design.

Why a Functioning Electrical Grid is Necessary for Public Health

Why a Functioning Electrical Grid is Necessary for Public Health

11/13/23

“Why is a functioning electrical grid necessary for public health?”

The electrical grid underpins public health physical infrastructure. Whether it be hospital systems, public cooling centers, or even the internet for telehealth, electricity keeps it running. When it gets damaged from disasters or war times, it can lead to catastrophe. This is Why a Functioning Electrical Grid is Necessary for Public Health.